Five days after the Hawaii State Teachers Association called on the state to begin distance learning across the state, the Hawaii State Department of Education's complex area superintendents on the neighbor islands Tuesday announced distance learning models that schools will begin on Aug. 17.
On Friday, HIDOE Superintendent Christina Kishimoto and Gov. David Ige announced Oahu schools would switch to distance learning mode for the first four weeks of the school year while they assessed neighbor island options.
Then on Tuesday, HIDOE announced public schools on Kauai, Hawaii Island, and Maui County, with the exception of Molokai schools and Hana High & Elementary, will transition to full distance learning for the first four weeks of the 2020–21 school year. Lanai High and Elementary and schools in the Lahaina Complex will implement 100-percent distance learning for the first quarter of school.
Schools on Molokai will implement face-to-face and blended learning as previously announced for the first quarter. Hana High and Elementary School will implement face-to-face learning for grades K-5 and a hybrid model for upper grades.
HSTA President Corey Rosenlee said, “The HSTA is glad that most of the neighbor island schools have now switched to distance learning, which was the prudent thing to do in the first place. But HSTA does not support that students will be on campuses next week, and that Hana and Molokai schools will open with students in classes. While those two locations are remote, this disease can spread quickly, and having students in classrooms anywhere in the state during this spike is too risky.”
During the transition, school leaders will assess plans for the rest of the quarter, HIDOE said. Schools will provide in-person special education services “as appropriate” and will serve as a learning hub to support students who lack internet access, an HIDOE news release said. Students and families are encouraged to utilize the Ohana Help Desk, the nation’s first statewide, comprehensive technology support help desk to assist with distance learning.
“This transition prioritizes the health and safety of our students and staff while ensuring equity of access for high-needs and underprivileged students,” Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area Superintendent Esther Kanehailua said. “Student engagement and family needs during distance learning will be important factors in our decision-making as we move ahead.”
Per the HIDOE, all schools on Kauai, Hawaii, and Maui County will follow the three-phase plan for distance learning below, with the exception of Molokai schools and Hana High & Elementary as noted:
1st phase: In-person training (Aug. 17–20)
During the first week of school, students will physically return to campus on a coordinated and scheduled basis, determined by each individual school, to connect with their teacher, receive training on the distance learning platforms, and address issues with connectivity and access to technology. Special considerations will be given to vulnerable students and their families for more in-person access to the school and teachers.
Starting on Aug. 17, School cafeterias will be serving only grab-and-go meals for their enrolled students; in-person dining will not be allowed. After-school programs will be suspended until students return to in-person blended learning models.
2nd phase: Ready to learn (Aug. 24–Sept. 11)
For the remainder of the four week period, full distance learning will be implemented. Staff will report to their designated work sites for continued distance learning instruction. Special education services that cannot be provided in a distance learning format will be available in person. Supervised in-person learning labs at schools will be available for students who do not have WiFi access.
3rd phase: Transition to blended learning or continue distance learning (Sept. 14)
HIDOE will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with the governor’s office and the Hawaii State Department of Health to assess whether or not students can safely return to in-person blended learning models. If distance learning will continue for the remainder of the first quarter of school, an announcement will be made on Sept. 8 by each complex area superintendent.
All HIDOE buildings remain open for faculty and staff, and employees are expected to follow all health and safety protocols. Plans are subject to change as the COVID-19 situation evolves.